Not much remains of the Allenby townsite but it is an interesting area to visit for its natural aspects. It has great potential for snowshoeing and it was the starting point for interested naturalists. A vehicle was left at either end with the anticipation that the foresight would be welcomed at the end of the hike.
The hike began at the industrial remnants near the giant concrete circular concentrator. Starting by stepping on crunchy, crusty snow, the old mine foundry area posed interest, especially an old ponderosa pine snag festooned with giant steel cables and an old iron ladder and even an antique yard light. The tour guide led the group up a steep incline onto an old railway line which once led all the way to the copper mine. Walking south-west for a short distance, the scenery opened with snow-covered sagebrush and expansive views with smells evocative of summer. For this part of the outing snowmobiles had also used the old railway line, as well as elk, deer, coyote and possibly bobcat as indicative by their tracks as they too followed the railbed or crossed it at numerous points.
When the railway line finished, a 1 1/2 km walk ensued to reach the second part of the hike. The trailhead was an old trail descending around landslip knolls which were old drilling sites for zeolite and bentonite (old volcanic ash deposits). Staying on higher ground, thus climbing a considerable amount, for wonderful vistas of the surrounding countryside. The hike was an up and down affair, although there is an old, logging road that could have been used but the views were worth the effort. There were majestic Ponderosa Pines to marvel at and the ever informative guide pointed out this was the case because it prefers drier, warmer and lower elevation, unlike its cousin the Douglas Fir which favours the opposite. Eventually, the Similkameen River came into view, with its giant ice floes and rushing water. Another feature of this area is the hillside which is slowly sliding downwards, leaving exposed giant cracks and exposed outcrops of sedimentary sand and mudstone that contain many Eocene fossils. Two Bald Eagles wheeled overhead and a Red-tailed Hawk was seen viewing the landscape for a possible meal. The total kilometres snowshoed was five taking four hours to complete. It was a leisurely stroll through nature’s wonderland.
